Greetings!

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy February 9, 2026! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

In today’s Palm Coast Insider

The Local Lowdown

• 500 Moms: Combating Food Insecurity in Flagler County
  
• Community Impact Grant Enhances Salvation Army's Beacon of Hope After-School Program
  
• Flagler Palm Coast Boys Weightlifters Tie with State Power Spruce Creek in Olympic Lifts
  

Get Out & Go!

• Caregiver Support Group
  
• Palm Coast City Council Meeting
  
• Robotics for Kids (Week 1 of Series)

Business Buzz

• Fairchild Oaks Home Leads Flagler County Sales with $1.25 Million Transaction
  
• Palm Coast Food Truck Ordinance Faces Criticism and Calls for Revision

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Palm Coast, Florida. 🌴

Which Florida city is home to the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture?

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by Palmcoast Zaarhub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit Palmcoast Zaarhub today!

Monday Motivation

The Local Lowdown

Weekend Recap...

This Week...

500 Moms, a grassroots group in Flagler County, is taking action against local food insecurity among students and families.

Founded by Marie McCormick, a Palm Coast nurse practitioner inspired by her friend and Bunnell Elementary teacher Nina deBodisco, the group creates solutions for kids who come to school hungry.

Three core programs anchor their efforts: “Breakfast After the Bell” ensures late-arriving students still get breakfast; classroom snack bins give every student access to snacks chosen from their own preferences; and the soon-to-launch “Mom’s Meals” will provide meal kits with easy recipes for families in need.

Bunnell Elementary is the pilot site, but expansion is planned.

With nearly 7.4% of Flagler County households using SNAP, the need remains urgent.

Supporters, called "spoons," donate monthly and receive a symbolic wooden spoon, representing a trusted adult for students.

The Salvation Army’s Beacon of Hope after-school program in Daytona Beach has received a major boost with a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.

This funding strengthens the program’s mission to provide local children — from kindergarten through eighth grade — with safe spaces, academic support, and enriching activities.

Innovative efforts like "Reading with Therapy Dogs" help young students build literacy skills and confidence in a nurturing environment.

The grant enables the Beacon of Hope to expand exciting opportunities in STEM learning, creative arts, music, and sports, while deepening community partnerships and family involvement.

Leaders from both organizations underscored the program’s tangible impact during a recent showcase tour, highlighting its vital role in helping children and families thrive in the Daytona Beach community.

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys weightlifting team started their season with a strong showing, equaling powerhouse Spruce Creek in the Olympic lifts at their opener on February 4.

Both teams tallied 45 points in the Olympic events, but Spruce Creek ultimately prevailed in the traditional lifts, finishing 61-29 at FPC.

Coach Duane Hagstrom praised his squad’s effort, stressing that consistency and discipline paid off as the Bulldogs surpassed their own expectations with about 90% successful lifts.

Standout performances came from Cody Strawser, Jackson Fedun, Landon Gates, and Matthew McFall, who posted top totals in both Olympic and traditional events.

Despite lineup adjustments due to weight class issues, junior varsity lifters rose to the challenge, showcasing the program’s depth.

With this momentum, FPC eyes a shot at the state title later this season.

Today's Weather Outlook 

🌳GET OUT  & GO

Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨

• Caregiver Support Group
  
• Palm Coast City Council Meeting
  
• Robotics for Kids (Week 1 of Series)

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Palm Coast, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Coast!

• Fairchild Oaks Home Leads Flagler County Sales with $1.25 Million Transaction
  
• Palm Coast Food Truck Ordinance Faces Criticism and Calls for Revision
  

A stunning home in Fairchild Oaks set a new standard in Flagler County’s real estate scene, selling for $1,250,000 on January 21.

This spacious property at 40 Whitehall Court offers 5,104 square feet, four bedrooms, a pool, and five and a half bathrooms—rising dramatically in value since its 2013 sale for $525,000.

Other notable sales this January included a new build at 71 Pegasus Road in Reserve East, closing at $484,990 and offering three bedrooms and three baths across 2,470 square feet.

The Grand Haven community saw two key transactions: a 2,342-square-foot home at 12 Augusta Trail for $520,000 and a three-bedroom property at 85 Southlake Drive for $435,000—both showing significant price appreciation.

A five-bedroom home at 139 N. Starling Drive in Grand Landings sold for $400,000, further illustrating the county’s competitive, vibrant housing market.

Business Spotlight✨

🌟 Hammock Hardware & Supply – 45 Years Strong!

This spotlight honors a true Palm Coast staple that’s been keeping our community supplied and supported since 1980. Congratulations to Hammock Hardware & Supply for 45 years of dedication and service!

🔧 Where Community Meets Tradition
Founded by Margaret and John Russell, this family-owned, women-led business has grown from humble beginnings into The Hammock’s go-to hardware store. Today, under the leadership of Robyn Jennings, the store continues its promise: if they don’t have what you need, they’ll get it for you.

💬 What Customers Are Saying:
“Thank you for providing our community a well-stocked store so we didn’t have to go 30 miles for supplies.”

🎉 Visit Hammock Hardware & Supply
Discover a local business built on family, community, and trust for more than four decades.

📍 5652 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast, FL
📲 facebook.com/Hammockhdwe

Thanks for supporting the businesses that make Palm Coast strong!
#PalmCoastProud #SupportLocal #BusinessSpotlight #HammockHardware

 the early development was designed to preserve a significant amount of land as natural preserves, a forward-thinking environmental decision at the time?

💡The Savvy Spender’s Guide

 Welcome to The Savvy Spender's Guide, where we equip you with smart strategies and the latest insights to optimize your spending habits and maximize savings. 🎯 Whether you're navigating through the complexities of personal finance or seeking simple tips for everyday savings, we're here to empower you on your journey to financial freedom. 💡

❄️ Smart Steps for Planning Your Financial Goals This New Year 💰📊
A fresh year is the perfect time to reset your finances and build smarter money habits. With a little planning and intention, you can take control of your spending and work toward the goals that matter most. Here’s how to start the year strong as a savvy spender:

📅 Set Clear & Realistic Goals – Define what you want to achieve this year, whether it’s saving for an emergency fund, paying off debt, or planning a big purchase. Break big goals into smaller, achievable milestones.

📝 Review Last Year’s Spending – Look back at where your money went. Identifying patterns and unnecessary expenses helps you make smarter decisions moving forward.

💳 Create (or Refresh) Your Budget – Build a budget that fits your lifestyle. Make room for essentials, savings, and a little fun so it’s easier to stick with it long-term.

🏦 Pay Yourself First – Automate your savings, even if it’s a small amount. Treat saving like a non-negotiable bill to build consistency throughout the year.

🎯 Prioritize High-Impact Goals – Focus on what will make the biggest difference, such as clearing high-interest debt or growing your emergency fund before taking on new financial commitments.

📉 Cut Costs Strategically – Cancel unused subscriptions, shop smarter, and compare prices before big purchases. Small cuts can add up to big savings over time.

📊 Track Progress & Adjust – Check in on your goals monthly or quarterly. Life changes, and your plan can too — adjusting keeps you on track instead of feeling discouraged.

✅ Takeaway: A successful financial year starts with intention, planning, and consistency. By setting clear goals and making mindful money choices, you’ll build confidence, reduce stress, and spend smarter all year long. Here’s to a financially savvy and successful new year! 🎉💰

Palm Coast Snapshot

Happiness is a warm cup of coffee and a cat on your lap.” 🐾☕ Join Coffee with Cats today, 1–4 PM at Flagler Humane Society, Palm Coast ❤️ (Credit: Flagler Humane Society Inc.)

Miami.

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See you tomorrow,

- Palm Coast Insider Team